Are you toying with the idea of becoming a full-time actor, but have been holding back because of the hazy financial prospects? The Evam Lab Fellowship 2017 may be perfect for you as it is specifically designed for the burgeoning acting community in the city. Sunil Vishnu K, co-founder of Evam, says, “Last year was our pilot project. Many actors now want to make that career jump, unlike a few years ago, when they were straddling between their careers in corporates during the day and acting in the nights. In the last few years, however, the trend has changed and a lot more people are getting full time into theatre.”
The fellowship aims to support actors willing to take the plunge. “It will take care of your basic livelihood. The participants will be given a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 to ₹15,000. They also get to participate in workshops by veterans to update themselves on acting techniques and hone their skills. And, all this while, they will be paid and occupied. They will also be working in Evam projects for a year. But, they can also work with other troupes,” he says.
Last year, in its pilot phase, the fellowship was offered to 10 Chennai-based full-time artistes, who learnt, trained together and delivered over 25 creative projects for corporates, colleges, and NGOs, using theatre, dance, music and the visual arts. Some of them are now full-time actors and have worked in web series and films.
They are clear that they want people with a body of work, who are serious about theatre. “We do not want amateur actors or people who want to do theatre part-time. They should be full-time, unlike those who come for our First Rush programme, which is for anybody and everybody. This is for people who are committed to make a career of theatre,” he says.
To apply for the fellowship send an e-mail to mail@evam.in. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed and the final 10 will be selected. The last date to register for the fellowship is November 15.